The Story Behind Fiji Water: Discover the Untouched Paradise
The Story Behind Fiji Water: Discover the Untouched Paradise
In the southwest Pacific, Melanesia is a subregion of Oceania. The Arafura Sea is included in its length, which extends from the island of New Guinea in the west to Tonga in the east. With the aid of a map showing Fiji and the other islands, you will have a better understanding of how to organize your trip as we explore the delights of Melanesia together.
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Informations
Quick Tips
Temperature: The South Pacific Islands have a year-round tropical climate. There is a hotter, wetter time from November to April and a cooler, drier time from May to October.
Language: The most widely spoken languages in Melanesia (excluding the part of Indonesia that is in the region) are English (duh), French (in New Caledonia, which is part of France)
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Things to do
Papua New Guinea
The eastern half of the island of New Guinea and the barrier islands in Melanesia make up the nation of Papua New Guinea, which is located in Oceania. Port Moresby, the capital, is located on the southeast coast. With 462,840 km2, it is the third largest island nation in the world. The Rainforest Habitat, Mount Wilhelm, Mount Balbi, Kokopo War and Culture Museum, Kokoda Trail, Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary, and Port Moresby Botanical Gardens are some of the attractions. Activities: diving, hiking, fishing, bird viewing, and flightseeing. (Viator offers affordable vacations to Papua New Guinea; save money!)
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Fiji
Fiji is an island republic in the South Pacific’s Melanesia region, which is a part of Oceania. It’s roughly 2,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. With an area of over 18,300 square kilometers, Fiji is made up of an archipelago of more than 330 islands, 110 of which are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets. Ono-i-Lau is the most isolated group of islands. Eighty-seven percent of the 883,483 people on the planet reside on the two big islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Approximately 75% of Fijians reside on the Viti Levu coast, either in the nation’s capital Suva, in smaller towns like Nadi, where tourism is the primary industry, or in Lautoka, where the sugar cane sector is the main employer.
Activities include fishing, surfing, mountain biking, visiting traditional communities, scuba diving and snorkeling, whitewater rafting, boat rides, and golf. Attractions include the Fiji Museum, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Bouma National Heritage Park, Castaway Island, Parliament of Fiji, Nananu-i-Ra, and Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. (Low-cost tours in Fiji / Save money with Get Your Guide or Viator)
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New Caledonia
Fiji is an island republic in the South Pacific’s Melanesia region, which is a part of Oceania. It’s roughly 2,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. With an area of over 18,300 square kilometers, Fiji is made up of an archipelago of more than 330 islands, 110 of which are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets. Ono-i-Lau is the most isolated group of islands. Eighty-seven percent of the 883,483 people on the planet reside on the two big islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Approximately 75% of Fijians reside on the Viti Levu coast, either in the nation’s capital Suva, in smaller towns like Nadi, where tourism is the primary industry, or in Lautoka, where the sugar cane sector is the main employer.
Activities include snorkeling, windsurfing, diving, hiking, golfing, and sailing. Attractions include the Amedee Lighthouse, Blue River Provincial Park, Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Calédonie, Parc Zoologique et Forestier, Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Grotte de la Reine Hortense, and Tjibaou Cultural Center. (Low-cost tours of New Caledonia / Save money with Get Your Guide or Viator)
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Solomon Islands
East of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu, in Oceania, are the six major islands and more than 900 smaller islands that make up the sovereign state of the Solomon Islands. With 652,858 people, it has a land area of 28,400 square kilometers. Guadalcanal Island is home to Honiara, the capital. The Northern Solomon Islands, which are a component of Papua New Guinea, and other Melanesian islands are included in the archipelago from which the nation derives its name. Offshore islands like the Santa Cruz Islands, Rennell, and Bellona are not included in this group.
Riba Cave, the US War Memorial, Mataniko Falls, Lilisiana Village, Vila Point, Vella Lavella, and Marovo Lagoon are some of the attractions in the Solomon Islands. Activities: Diving, unwinding on stunning beaches, hiking, surfing, kayaking, and sport fishing The island state is made up of the island of Banaba and 32 atolls spread across three archipelagos.
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Vanuatu
Melanesians were the first people to live in Vanuatu. A Spanish expedition under the command of Portuguese navigator Fernandes de Queirós was the first group of Europeans to set foot on the islands; they arrived in 1606 on the largest island, Espíritu Santo. As part of colonial Spanish East India, Queirós claimed the archipelago for Spain and called it La Austrialia del Espíritu Santo. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, Ransuck Cultural Village, Ambae Volcano, Mount Hope Waterfall, Millennium Cave, and Hideaway Island are some of the attractions. Activities include ziplining, game fishing, sea kayaking, and scenic flights.(Low-cost tours of Vanuatu / Save money with Get Your Guide or Viator)
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Where to stay
Food and restaurants
Particularly in the bigger towns, Papua New Guinea offers a diverse range of culinary options. Over the past few decades, foreign influences have led to the emergence of a wide variety of food in restaurants around the nation. Port Moresby offers an amazing range of culinary experiences, encompassing European, Asian, and local cuisines. Jepello’s serves really delicious Italian food, and Asia Aromas is a fantastic Asian restaurant as well. Since Lae is the second-busiest town in Papua New Guinea, it offers a wide variety of excellent dining options.
The abundance of eateries in Fiji’s biggest cities and communities has increased the nation’s allure. The islands are heavily influenced by the “West,” as seen by the prevalence of “Western” foods like pizza, pasta, fish and chips, and burgers. Still, Fiji is well-known for its seafood, especially fresh, and its coconut-based cuisine.There are several of excellent restaurants in Suva that provide a variety of cuisines.
But since the city’s Indian minority has a big effect, Indo-Fijian and Indian food really steal the show. Fusion curry meals are served at Singh’s Curry House (Cnr Gordon Street and Victoria Parade, Suva), a charming and reasonably priced eatery. Another Indian restaurant with an amazing menu is Ashiyana. Palm Court Bistro (QBE Center, Victoria Parade, Suva) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a well-known all-day breakfast.
New Caledonia – The islands are well known for its Parisian cuisine, which is served in their renowned bistros and cafés. The Kanak bougna, a dish of chicken, meat, or fish, or any combination of the three, wrapped in palm leaves, basted in coconut, and cooked in an underground oven, is another national specialty.
Favorite spots for local French cuisine are La Table des Gourmets, which serves exquisitely presented Alsace-style dishes in an authentic French bistro, and La Relais de la Vallee, which is known for its huge amounts of seafood. Renowned for its exquisite modern fusion cuisine, Le Roof is situated in one of the most desirable areas in New Caledonia. Situated on a jetty that protrudes over the ocean, the restaurant features a hole in the floor that allows patrons to observe fish and, with luck, sharks or dolphins swimming beneath them.
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European powers have had a significant impact on the Solomon Islands ever since the sixteenth century. Many international restaurants can be found in the main cities, like Honiara and Gizo, for visitors to enjoy. Taro, coconuts, seafood, and fresh fruits and vegetables make up the majority of the cuisine in the area. Naturally, public interest in foreign food has grown significantly.
Honiara has a wide variety of excellent restaurants for dinner. A beautiful restaurant with a distinct French flavor is Club Havana. Definitely give it a shot. Japanese cuisine is served at Capitana Restaurant. It so happens to be one of the Solomon Islands’ top dining establishments. The Point Cruz Yacht Club is always packed because it serves the best steak dinners in the city. One of the busiest eating spots on the island of Gizo is the Nuzu Nuzu Restaurant.
Vanuatu – Nonetheless, due to the country’s lengthy connection with France, French cuisine—local ingredients prepared in the French style—has greatly influenced local taste. Grated yam, manioc fruit, or banana covered in a layer of coconut cream is called lap lap, and it’s a traditional Vanuatu dish. After that, it is cooked slowly in an earth oven until it takes on the consistency of cake.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Restaurant du Jardin des Saveurs (Luganville) serves some of the best-tasting French meals in Vanuatu. The restaurant serves carefully prepared seafood, including river prawns, lobsters, and snails. A lunch at The Barge Floating Restaurant in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is one of the country’s distinctive eating experiences. The meal is amazing and the scenery is unmatched.
Travel tips
When driving in Fiji, be clear of badly kept roads and don’t drive at night. When riding the Fijian islands, always have extra tires, food, and water with you. For two persons, renting a car is less expensive than renting bikes. Obtain a Fiji Travel Adapter
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Steer clear of Port Vila’s downtown during cruise ship days. Prices rise, the residents leave, and it’s stressful. Take Off-Season and Shoulder Travel to Avoid Crowds Avoid Exchanging Currency at Airports Verify What Tour Packages Include Seize Every Chance to Sample the Regional Cuisine Is a Village Visited or Stayed in? Bring a present!
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The first travel choice that springs to us when we think of stunning scenery and amazing islands is a cruise. Thus, this is the greatest choice if you would rather visit several stunning islands than fly to only one and remain there. When on a cruise, you can unwind on days when the ship is just in the sea or ocean, but if you’re an adventurer, you can also take advantage of the opportunity to see other locations. We work with the world’s top cruise operators, so you may select the ideal voyage:
If you choose not to travel by car and would like additional information about tours, things to see and do on these islands, we suggest these two companies. They provide tours for any kind of activity you can think of, and you can purchase trips from them for a lot less money than you would if you did so when you get there. Being able to save some money is always beneficial! The greatest things to do in the area are Viator and Get Your Guide! Top tours available in Papua New Guinea:
The best tours in Fiji :
The best tours in New Caledonia :
The best tours in Vanuatu :
Shopping in Melanesia
Papua New Guinea is not home to any incredible mega malls; not even the city, Port Moresby, has a contemporary mall. Tourists can buy a variety of items in the following markets: Hagen Market, Wewak Main Market, Melanesian Arts Gallery, Port Moresby Handicrafts Market, Ela Beach Craft Market. Products available for purchase include fruit, vegetables, meat, books, apparel, and handicrafts made locally.
The towns of Fiji don’t have glitzy, contemporary malls or upscale department stores. Rather, the main places to shop are the resorts, hotels, marketplaces, and boutiques found on city streets. The largest concentration of boutiques in Fiji may be found in Suva and Nadi, although visitors don’t have to spend their whole money on purchases in these cities.
There are several fresh food and craft markets in New Caledonia. Every Thursday, the Jeudi du Centre Ville Street Market (Quartier Latin Place des Cocotiers, Nouméa) is a great place to sample fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts manufactured locally. Shoppers looking for bread, chocolates, flowers, fruit, olives, and vegetables are best entertained by local ukulele musicians on Saturday or Sunday mornings in Nouméa market (Quartier Latin, Port Moselle).
Specializing in alcohol, luggage, cosmetics, jewelry, lingerie, perfume, skin care items, textiles, tobacco, and locally manufactured souvenirs, Marlene is one of the island’s biggest tax-exempt boutiques. Another thing that New Caledonia excels at is chocolate, particularly from Tonton Jules Chocolate Shop.
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When visiting the shopping destinations throughout the archipelago, visitors won’t come across any notable large retail complexes or internationally recognized designer labels. That being said, those that enjoy collecting will have a great time exploring the Solomon Islands’ shopping scene. The primary items available for purchase on the islands comprise of elaborate jewelry, wooden carvings, basketware, mother-of-pearl carvings, and shells.The Central Market is Honiara’s primary retail district.
Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, is the best place to shop. If you’re staying here or just passing by on your way to another island, you might want to check out the several stores and boutiques in the town center for unique gifts or handcrafted souvenirs. The action takes place on the main street. Visitors can discover Chinese-owned stores on the upper main street, but specialty boutiques, duty-free stores, banks, drug stores, and other establishments can be found on the lower main street, which is the section nearest to the port.
Getting around Melanesia
The best means to travel across Fiji are via ferry if you want to go island hopping, or by bus if you want to visit one of the archipelago’s islands. Other islands can also be reached by plane, albeit this kind of transportation is more costly. The quickest way to travel throughout Papua New Guinea is via air. All of our province capitals as well as numerous outlying towns and villages are served by our domestic carriers, which include Air Niugini, PNG Air, MAF, and TropicAir, making it simple to get to your final destination.
By plane: Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel across the Solomon Islands. Solomon Airlines serves 20 domestic locations nationwide. Situated on Guadalcanal Island, Honiara serves as the capital city of the Solomon Islands. It serves as the primary hub for flights to other Solomon Islands locations. Driving is the most straightforward and convenient way to get about New Caledonia. If your itinerary calls for a visit to the Loyalty Islands, you will need to find other transportation. Scheduled bus and coach services are available across the Main Island, taking you to locations on both the East and West Coasts.
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Because the island’s road system is underdeveloped, Vanuatu’s transportation options are quite limited. Less than 160 km of paved roads and primarily dirt tracks make up the road system, yet providing a genuine island feel. Vans, minibuses, and 4WD vehicles are therefore the most widely used forms of transportation in Vanuatu. Every island has one or two small wharves or ports where boats and smaller ships may dock, while Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Forari have the main harbors. The light planes that service the islands have one or two short airstrips where they can land. Although the islands lack railroads, bicycles are quickly gaining popularity as a means of transportation in Vanuatu, with taxis and transit vans also being relatively widespread.
Getting to Melanesia
It goes without saying that getting to Melanesia by plane is not always easy. Moving to Fiji and Papa New Guinea is less difficult for foreigners because these islands are better connected than many smaller, less developed islands.It goes without saying that getting to Melanesia by plane is not always easy. Moving to Fiji and Papa New Guinea is less difficult for foreigners because these islands are better connected than many smaller, less developed islands.
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